High potential and gifted education

At Katoomba Public School, we work hard to recognise and nurture the strengths and talents of every child. Teachers use a range of reliable assessment tools as part of everyday classroom learning to identify students who show high potential across creative, academic, physical, and social–emotional domains.

By getting to know each child’s learning strengths and needs, teachers are able to plan learning experiences that are engaging, challenging and supportive. This means students who require additional extension, enrichment or support receive learning opportunities that are suited to them.

We believe that all children can learn and succeed when they are supported with high expectations and thoughtful teaching. Lessons are planned to meet students at their point of need, using proven teaching strategies to help every learner make progress.

We value strong partnerships with families and the wider community and see learning as a shared journey. Through ongoing professional learning and collaboration, teachers at Katoomba Public School are committed to helping every student grow, achieve, and develop their talents with confidence.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent

Our teachers find potential and nurture our students to be the best they can be.

Tailored lessons

Each student has different abilities. Teachers respond to each student’s ability by providing extra challenges and extension activities to keep learning exciting and engaging.

Rich opportunities and activities

Students can take part in opportunities to develop their talent in the arts, sport, leadership and more.

Opening doors to wider experiences

Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide opportunities that aim to extend and enrich student potential.

What is high potential and gifted education?

High potential and gifted education (HPGE) is how our school supports students with advanced learning needs.

We do this through:

effective teaching strategies like enrichment, extension and acceleration

tailored support during lessons that stretch, challenge and inspire

access to a wide range of opportunities both within and beyond our school.

Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.

In our classroom

At Katoomba Public School, we believe every child has unique strengths, talents, and possibilities waiting to be discovered. High potential and gifted education (HPGE) is not just an add-on or a separate program, it is part of how we teach, learn, and care for students every day.

Many of our students show strong abilities in different areas, and our teachers take the time to truly know each child as a learner. Through thoughtful classroom assessment and high-quality evidence informed teaching, teachers identify students who benefit from extra challenge, deeper thinking, or extended learning opportunities. Families are valued partners in this process, and parent insights are welcomed and encouraged.

Learning at Katoomba Public School is designed to stretch and inspire. Students may take part in enrichment experiences, extension activities, or accelerated learning when appropriate, ensuring they are engaged, motivated, and challenged at the right level. This support may be provided within the classroom or through targeted opportunities across the school, allowing students to grow with confidence.

Our classrooms are warm, inclusive spaces where students feel safe to ask questions, share ideas, and take learning risks. Creativity, collaboration, and curiosity are actively encouraged. Students with high potential, particularly in academic learning, are supported through open-ended tasks and purposeful teaching that matches their readiness and interests.

Students are encouraged to understand their strengths, set goals, and reflect on their learning, skills that support success well beyond primary school.

Across our school & into the community beyond

At Katoomba Public School, we provide a broad range of opportunities that enrich learning and allow students to explore their interests, strengths, and talents in meaningful ways. These experiences support students with high potential while remaining inclusive and accessible, ensuring every child feels encouraged to participate and grow.

Students who enjoy strategy and problem-solving are welcome to join our Chess Club, a relaxed and friendly space where students can play, learn, and build confidence at their own pace. The emphasis is on enjoyment, social connection, and developing thinking skills rather than competition.

Creative expression is strongly valued at Katoomba Public School. Students can take part in a variety of Creative Arts experiences, including dance, choir, and opportunities to collaborate with students from other schools through shared creative events such as the Narragunnawali Music Festival, Upper Blue Mountains Dance Festival and the Festival of Instrumental Music held at the Opera House. Our School Ensemble allows students to develop their musical skills while learning the importance of teamwork, commitment, and performance in a supportive environment.

For students with an interest in sport, we offer opportunities to participate in school sporting teams and representative pathways that promote physical wellbeing, skill development, and teamwork.

Leadership is a key focus at Katoomba Public School. Through our School Leadership Council, students are given opportunities to share ideas, contribute to decision-making, and take an active role in school life. Importantly, all students in Year 6 are given leadership responsibilities, aligned with their individual strengths and interests. Through these authentic roles, students develop confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills in meaningful and practical ways.

Students are also supported to develop communication, creativity, and critical thinking through Public Speaking and Debating programs, as well as participation in a range of academic experiences that provide additional challenge and extension. Academic experiences include Write a Book in a Day, the WriteOn! Competition, and bespoke enrichment classes facilitated by the Learning and Support Team.

In addition, students have the opportunity to take part in the Film by the Eucalypts program, where they explore storytelling, filmmaking, and collaboration.

At Katoomba Public School, we are committed to offering rich, engaging learning opportunities that support the development of the whole child. Through these experiences, students are encouraged to discover their strengths, build confidence, and thrive both within our school and beyond.